My friend told me that I shouldn't blame myself, but I can't help feeling this way. I… I wish I were stronger that time. I couldn't help him at all…

[ Failing to protect, then landing himself in that situation… Maybe he earned these injuries as punishment. It feels horrible to fail to help, especially someone he cares for. That's why he didn't expect Sleep to reward him for it. The thought makes him feel sick. ]

But it already happened, and I can't do anything about it now. I have to… be stronger for next time. So, I don't want this to become a weakness of mine. With it, I'll change things.

[ Caelus clutches his baseball bat, straightening up as he looks at Subaru once more. The cake cat eases, feeling both the comfort of the onmyouji and the renewed determination from the trailblazer. He smiles just a little. ]

Never give up, even if I lose.

[ Familiar words. The mood is different from the first time he said it, but his spirit is unchanged. He still means every word. ]